Tunisia protests: Government announce reforms after unrest

The Tunisian government has announced a wave of social reforms, following days of demonstrations by anti-austerity protesters.

Protests broke out ahead of Sunday’s seventh anniversary of the ousting of President Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali.

Emergency government meetings were held in response to protests, which have seen more than 800 people arrested.

Officials said plans had been submitted to parliament to reform medical care, housing and increase aid to the poor.

Demonstrations began earlier this month after the government announced New Year tax and price increases in its 2018 budget.

In December the International Monetary Fund (IMF) told Tunisia it needed to take “urgent action” to reduce its budget deficit.

Successive governments have failed to resolve national unemployment and poverty, and the country’s vital tourism industry has struggled to rebuild after terror attacks targeted foreign nationals in 2015, killing dozens.